Cats are some of the cutest creatures on earth. They’re very playful with most people they meet and have a friendly disposition. If you’ve wanted to own a cat, but weren’t sure what you have to do to take care of one, then this article is just what you need. Give it a look.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
Do not assume that because a medication is okay for you to take, that it is safe for your cat as well. Many medications made for humans are lethal to cats, such as acetaminophen containing drugs and aspirin. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat anything.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. Although you might want to take care of things on your own, advice from other people with cats can be a big help. The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.
Do not try to bathe a kitten that is less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for a young kitten to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be on the safe side you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after they are born to bathe them for the first time.
You should feed your cat food out of a can. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Speak with a vet, but know that wet food is normally much better for your pet.
Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. Kidney or bladder infections may be the reason. Ask your vet if your cat begins missing the litter box.
You should get a collar with your contact information and make sure your cat wears it all the time. Your indoor pet might even get out if you leave a window open. When your cat gets outside unexpectedly, it’s your responsibility to enable others to help your cat find their way home again.
If your cat has been scratching things that they should not have, do not think of declawing them as a good way to deal with the issue. While this surgical procedure would stop them from causing any more damage, it is a very painful procedure and it is pretty difficult to recover from.
If you will be out of town or gone for more than a few hours, make sure to hire a pet sitter to take care of your cat. Most people think of pet sitters as necessary for only dogs, but they are important for cats too. You need someone to check in on your cat, make sure he eats and give him some love while you are away.
Most cats love to spend time outdoors, but indoor-only cats rarely enjoy this opportunity. While it’s not safe to allow your indoor cat to roam freely outdoors, there are other options. For example, you can use a leash and harness to take your pet outdoors. It’s a rare sight, but it certainly isn’t impossible. You are most likely to be successful if you start leash training as a kitten.
When you are having social gatherings at your home, do not confine your cat to an area alone. This is your cat’s home, and they should always feel welcome here. Being around others will only strengthen their social skills, which is great if you plan on having a child or a new cat come into the home.
As stated before, cats are extremely cute. Their playful and friendly ways will have anyone warming up to them in no time. Now that you know what to do after reading this article, you can have a cat of your own. Remember the information and have a fun time with the feline.
